Greetings!
I’m modeling on a small 4x8 ho layout and I have installed blocks on the layout (about 5) and was contemplating using multiple trains. All the wiring for my layout is done already and now I’m reading more and more about DCC. How much trouble will I have to go through to convert if I choose to? Also, what all does DCC have to offer a small layout operator aside from multiple trains? What if I wanted to run an old (1965) American Flyer Steam Loco and not convert it? Can DC operation still be used on a DCC layout? And how much will a system cost? I wouldn’t need anything too complex so cheap is good!
Thanks for all the info,
-Dale
Go here: http://www.ttx-dcc.com/productcompare/dcccomparison.htm for all your answers to your questions.
but yes most do allow for standard DC operation on a preset address.
Hello,
Converting to DCC at your stage would be real easy. Its simply a matter of un hooking a power pack and putting a DCC system in its place. THen you can still use the other power pack to run DC if you wish.
If you decide to convert fully, DCC offers first off, easier wiring. Gone are the multiple bus wires for different cabs. Gone is the massive panel of block controls. All you need is a simple two wire bus with feeder wires attatched every three to four feet. Also if you have a reverse loop, as long as the two ends of it are electricly isolated, most DCC systems I know will automaticly handle the polarity flip if you iether A, wire in a Reverse loop module, or B, add a second power booster to your system so that the two will autmaticly swap polarity when it detects the train crossing from the reversing section back to the mainline.
Also many people complain about the price of DCC. But my club recently did a quick informal study on a typical Beginners layout the price of single train control, versus DCC. Here are the results.
The conventional system included a single MRC Tech-4 Power pack at $100.00 Two atlas conectors at 8.00 a crack, 6 switch machine control boxes at $4.00 and assorted wiring for around $10.00 we came up with a total price of around $150.00
Digitrax’s Zephyr DCC starter system can be had from Loys Toys after shipping for $165.00. The only wiring thats really neaded is some feeders to every siding, and to two or three points every two or three feet on the mainline and your off and running.
I should mention that the prices listed for the convential DC power system is from my local hobby shop, and that the beginners layout was one drawn quickly on a piece of scratch paper at the meeting we did this study.
I reccomend that you use for ease of Set up and that the fact that everything is self contained that if you go with DCC you go with the Digitrax Zephyr system. All of digitrax products are designed f
So I need to wire every 3 feet? What if the layout is small? I’m only on 4x8. and what about switches?
Thanks!
-Dale
On a 4X8 that would be overkill. It use to be every 10 feet, then it became 6 feet, now it’s down to 3? On a 4X8 just run a set of wires to the otherside ( i have seen many who don’t with no problems). The 3 feet came across as someone at MR writing an article saying that at 5 amp power draw you would see like a volt per foot loss in nickel silver track. Sorry, but if one or five locos draw 5 amps there is something bad wrong with the locos( esp if they run on a 4X8), not the wiring. While every 3 foot power shunts with battery cables for the bus may be needed on a big layout like at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry, a 4X8 don’t need it. FRED
Mr. flee307 is entirely correct. I missed the fact that this was a 4X8 footer. However, I was stated my common wiring practice to ensure reliabilty. In your instance, runing a pair 15 AWG wires to each side of your 4X8 would probably be eneugh to ensure sufficient operation. Also my friend Allen who owns the website Wiring For DCC.com says for every spur track clump. (A group of spurs that lead off from a single switch at the main line then split into multiple spurs) should also recieve its own set of feeder wires to ensure reliability.